Warming statement was unequivocal

Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.

To The Editor: A recent letter to the editor advised us to look more closely at climate reports. The letter, while managing to avoid outright misstatements, is very misleading.

The statement on climate change adopted by the American Physical Society Council last November is unequivocal: Global warming resulting from human activities is occurring. If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earthís physical and ecological systems, including human societies, are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases beginning now.

Now, at this particular time in our political cycle, we are all accustomed to discounting much of what we hear. However, the scientific community differs greatly from our political community, placing much greater emphasis on truth and caution.

Once such a conservative organization as the Council of the APS takes a stand, it behooves us to pay attention, rather than suggesting itís all a myth because proof is missing in a field where definitive proof is not to be found.

The massive experiment that will ultimately provide the proof is underway, and the results are starting to come in. Will we repeat the fatal mistake made by the frog in the boiling pot of water?

<p>To The Editor: A recent letter to the editor advised us to look more closely at climate reports. The letter, while managing to avoid outright misstatements, is very misleading.</p><p>The statement on climate change adopted by the American Physical Society Council last November is unequivocal: Global warming resulting from human activities is occurring. If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earth’s physical and ecological systems, including human societies, are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases beginning now.</p><p>Now, at this particular time in our political cycle, we are all accustomed to discounting much of what we hear. However, the scientific community differs greatly from our political community, placing much greater emphasis on truth and caution.</p><p>Once such a conservative organization as the Council of the APS takes a stand, it behooves us to pay attention, rather than suggesting it’s all a myth because proof is missing in a field where definitive proof is not to be found. </p><p>The massive experiment that will ultimately provide the proof is underway, and the results are starting to come in. Will we repeat the fatal mistake made by the frog in the boiling pot of water?</p><p>Ray Stover</p><p>Hendersonville</p>